Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A shock-absorbing package comprising: a box configurable to enclose an item and having a box bottom panel; and a base having a base bottom panel and defining a recess sized to accommodate a portion of the box including the box bottom panel, the base interfacing with the box in a transport configuration so that the box bottom panel is held separated from the base bottom panel by at least 1.0 inch and a volume of air disposed between the base bottom panel and the box bottom panel, and wherein the base is interfaced with the box in the transport configuration so that an impact force applied to the base bottom panel generated by dropping the shock-absorbing package onto a surface induces relative movement between the box and the base that expels air from the volume air and decelerates the box, and wherein one of the box and the base comprises a tab and the other of the box and the base comprises a slot shaped to accommodate the tab to secure the position of the box relative to the base in the transport configuration and accommodate movement of the tab relative to the slot during the relative movement between the box and the base.
Packaging technology. Problem: Protecting fragile items during transport from impact forces. This invention describes a shock-absorbing package designed to protect an item. The package includes a box, which can be configured to enclose the item and has a bottom panel. It also includes a base with its own bottom panel. The base is designed with a recess that can hold a portion of the box, specifically its bottom panel. In a transport configuration, the box bottom panel is positioned above the base bottom panel, with at least 1.0 inch of space between them. This space creates a volume of air. When the package is dropped onto a surface, an impact force on the base bottom panel causes the box and base to move relative to each other. This relative movement expels air from the volume between the panels, which helps to decelerate the box and absorb the shock. To keep the box and base securely positioned relative to each other during transport, one component (either the box or the base) has a tab, and the other has a slot shaped to receive this tab. This tab-and-slot arrangement secures the box to the base but also allows for the necessary movement between them during impact to facilitate the air expulsion and shock absorption.
2. The shock-absorbing package assembly of claim 1 , wherein the box bottom panel is separated from the base bottom panel by at least 2.0 inches in the transport configuration.
A shock-absorbing package assembly is designed to protect fragile items during transportation by absorbing impacts and vibrations. The assembly includes a base structure with a base bottom panel and a box structure with a box bottom panel. The box structure is positioned above the base structure, creating a gap between the two bottom panels. In the transport configuration, this gap is at least 2.0 inches, providing space for shock-absorbing materials such as foam, air cushions, or other damping elements. The assembly may also include sidewalls, top panels, and additional structural components to further enhance protection. The separation between the box and base bottom panels ensures that impacts are distributed and absorbed, reducing the risk of damage to the enclosed contents. This design is particularly useful for shipping delicate electronics, glassware, or other fragile items that require robust protection during transit. The assembly may be adjustable to accommodate different package sizes and weight distributions, ensuring optimal shock absorption for various cargo types.
3. The shock-absorbing package of claim 2 , wherein the box bottom panel is separated from the base bottom panel by at least 3.0 inches in the transport configuration.
This invention relates to shock-absorbing packaging designed to protect fragile items during transport. The problem addressed is the need for improved cushioning and stability to prevent damage to contents when subjected to impacts or vibrations during shipping. The package includes a box with a bottom panel and a base with a bottom panel, where the box is nested within the base. In the transport configuration, the box bottom panel is separated from the base bottom panel by at least 3.0 inches, creating an air gap that acts as a shock-absorbing buffer. This separation ensures that the box and its contents remain isolated from external impacts, reducing the risk of damage. The design may also include additional features such as interlocking structures or cushioning materials to further enhance stability and protection. The invention is particularly useful for shipping delicate or high-value items that require robust shock absorption during transit.
4. The shock-absorbing package of claim 1 , wherein the relative movement between the box and the base generates a transient increase in a pressure of the volume of air of at least 1.0 psi.
This invention relates to shock-absorbing packaging systems designed to protect fragile items during transport or handling. The system includes a box containing the item and a base that supports the box, with an air volume between them. When the package experiences an impact, the box moves relative to the base, compressing the air volume and generating a transient pressure increase of at least 1.0 psi. This pressure rise acts as a damping force, absorbing and dissipating shock energy to prevent damage to the enclosed item. The design ensures that the pressure increase is temporary, returning to normal after the impact, while effectively cushioning the item. The system may include additional features such as adjustable damping characteristics, multiple air chambers, or pressure-release mechanisms to fine-tune shock absorption based on the item's fragility and the expected impact conditions. The invention is particularly useful for protecting delicate electronics, glassware, or other sensitive goods during shipping or handling.
5. The shock-absorbing package of claim 3 , wherein the transient increase in the pressure of the volume of air is at least 2.0 psi.
Technical Summary: This invention relates to shock-absorbing packaging designed to protect fragile items during transport or handling. The problem addressed is the need for improved shock absorption to prevent damage to delicate contents when subjected to impacts or sudden forces. The packaging system includes a sealed volume of air that compresses and decompresses in response to external forces, acting as a cushioning mechanism. The key feature of this invention is the controlled transient increase in air pressure within the sealed volume during impact. Specifically, the air pressure must rise by at least 2.0 psi (pounds per square inch) when the package is subjected to a shock event. This pressure increase ensures sufficient energy absorption to mitigate damage to the enclosed item. The packaging structure may include flexible or deformable walls that allow compression while maintaining the sealed air volume. The design ensures that the air pressure returns to its original state after the shock event, allowing for repeated use if necessary. The invention builds upon a base packaging structure that includes a sealed air volume, where the additional pressure requirement enhances shock absorption performance. The transient pressure increase is engineered to provide optimal cushioning without excessive bulk or weight, making the packaging suitable for various applications, including electronics, glassware, and other fragile goods. The specified minimum pressure rise ensures consistent protection across different impact scenarios.
6. The shock-absorbing package of claim 1 , comprising one or more features for adjusting a resistance to expulsion of air from the volume of air.
A shock-absorbing package is designed to protect contents from impact forces by absorbing and dissipating energy through controlled air expulsion. The package includes a volume of air that compresses upon impact, reducing the force transmitted to the enclosed contents. To enhance performance, the package incorporates one or more features that adjust the resistance to air expulsion, allowing for fine-tuning of the shock-absorbing characteristics. These features may include adjustable vents, variable permeability membranes, or flow-restricting elements that regulate the rate at which air escapes during compression. By modulating air resistance, the package can be optimized for different impact scenarios, ensuring consistent protection across varying conditions. The design ensures that the air volume remains effective in dissipating energy while preventing sudden or uncontrolled expulsion, which could reduce shock absorption efficiency. This adaptability makes the package suitable for a wide range of applications, including fragile or sensitive items that require precise impact protection. The resistance-adjusting features may be integrated into the package walls, vents, or internal structures, depending on the specific design requirements. The overall system provides a balanced approach to shock absorption, combining structural integrity with controlled air dynamics to safeguard enclosed contents effectively.
7. The shock-absorbing package of claim 1 , comprising an air vent that is adjustable to change the resistance to expulsion of air from the volume of air.
A shock-absorbing package is designed to protect contents from impact forces by absorbing and dissipating energy. The package includes a flexible outer layer that encloses a volume of air, which compresses upon impact to cushion the contents. To enhance performance, the package incorporates an adjustable air vent that regulates the resistance to air expulsion from the enclosed volume. By adjusting the vent, the rate at which air escapes during compression can be controlled, allowing customization of the shock-absorbing characteristics. This adjustability enables the package to be fine-tuned for different impact scenarios, ensuring optimal protection for varying payloads and conditions. The vent may be manually or automatically adjusted, depending on the application, to balance responsiveness and durability. This design improves upon traditional shock-absorbing packages by providing dynamic control over air flow, reducing the risk of over-compression or insufficient damping. The adjustable vent ensures consistent performance across different environments and impact intensities, making the package suitable for a wide range of protective applications, including shipping, transportation, and industrial handling.
8. The shock-absorbing package of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the box and the base is made predominantly of cardboard.
A shock-absorbing package is designed to protect fragile items during transport by absorbing impacts and vibrations. The package includes a box and a base, where the base is configured to support the box and absorb shocks. The base may have a hollow structure with internal walls that deform under impact to dissipate energy. The box and base can be made predominantly of cardboard, which is lightweight, cost-effective, and recyclable. The cardboard construction provides sufficient rigidity while allowing controlled deformation to cushion the contents. The package may also include additional shock-absorbing features, such as internal padding or structural reinforcements, to enhance protection. The design ensures that fragile items remain secure during handling and transit, reducing damage risks. The use of cardboard makes the package environmentally friendly and suitable for various shipping applications. The shock-absorbing properties are achieved through the structural design of the base and the material properties of the cardboard, providing an effective and sustainable solution for protecting goods in transit.
9. The shock-absorbing package of claim 1 , wherein the base includes an opening configured to allow at least a portion of the volume of air to escape.
A shock-absorbing package is designed to protect fragile items during transport by absorbing and dissipating impact forces. The package includes a base and a deformable cushioning structure that compresses upon impact, converting kinetic energy into deformation to reduce transmitted forces. The cushioning structure may be made of materials like foam, gel, or air-filled chambers, and its geometry is optimized to distribute stress evenly. The base provides structural support and may include features to enhance stability or attachment to transport surfaces. A specific improvement involves incorporating an opening in the base to allow controlled escape of air from the cushioning structure. This prevents excessive pressure buildup during compression, ensuring consistent shock absorption and preventing damage to the packaged item. The opening is sized and positioned to allow gradual air release without compromising structural integrity. This design is particularly useful for packages subjected to repeated or high-impact forces, where trapped air could otherwise reduce cushioning effectiveness. The opening may be adjustable or covered with a permeable membrane to fine-tune air flow. The overall system ensures reliable protection while maintaining a compact and lightweight form factor.
10. A shock-absorbing package comprising: a box configurable to enclose an item and comprising a box bottom panel; and a base defining a recess sized to accommodate a portion of the box including the box bottom panel, the base comprising a base bottom panel and frangible tabs that interface with the box to hold the box in a transport configuration in which a volume of air disposed between the base bottom panel and the box bottom panel, the frangible tabs being configured to break in response to an impact force being applied to the base bottom panel generated by dropping the shock-absorbing package onto a surface, wherein breakage of the frangible tabs accommodates relative movement between the box and the base that expels air from the volume air and decelerates the box.
This invention relates to shock-absorbing packaging designed to protect items during transport by absorbing impact forces from drops. The problem addressed is the need for a packaging system that can effectively dissipate energy from sudden impacts, such as when a package is dropped, to prevent damage to enclosed items. The shock-absorbing package includes a box that encloses an item and a base with a recess sized to hold a portion of the box, including its bottom panel. The base has a bottom panel and frangible tabs that secure the box in a transport configuration, where an air volume is trapped between the box bottom panel and the base bottom panel. When the package is dropped, the impact force causes the frangible tabs to break, allowing relative movement between the box and the base. This movement expels air from the trapped volume, creating a deceleration effect that absorbs and dissipates the impact energy, reducing the force transmitted to the enclosed item. The design ensures that the package can withstand drops without damaging the contents by converting kinetic energy into controlled air displacement.
11. The shock-absorbing package assembly of claim 10 , wherein the box bottom panel is separated from the base bottom panel by at least 1.0 inches in the transport configuration.
This invention relates to a shock-absorbing package assembly designed to protect fragile items during transport. The assembly includes a box with a bottom panel and a base with a bottom panel, where the box is nested within the base. The box bottom panel is separated from the base bottom panel by at least 1.0 inches in the transport configuration, creating an air gap that absorbs impacts and vibrations. The assembly may also include shock-absorbing materials, such as foam or cushioning layers, placed between the box and the base to further enhance protection. The box and base may be made of corrugated cardboard or other rigid materials, and the design allows for easy assembly and disassembly. The separation distance ensures that the box remains suspended within the base, reducing direct contact with external forces during handling and shipping. This configuration is particularly useful for transporting delicate electronics, glassware, or other fragile goods that require additional protection against shocks and impacts. The assembly may also include additional features, such as locking mechanisms or adjustable supports, to maintain the separation distance and stability during transit.
12. The shock-absorbing package assembly of claim 10 , comprising one or more features for adjusting a resistance to expulsion of air from the volume of air.
A shock-absorbing package assembly is designed to protect contents from impact by absorbing and dissipating energy through controlled air expulsion. The assembly includes a container with a flexible or movable wall that defines an internal volume filled with air. During impact, the wall compresses, forcing air out of the volume to cushion the shock. The assembly further includes one or more features that adjust the resistance to air expulsion, allowing customization of the shock-absorbing performance. These features may include adjustable vents, valves, or flow restrictors that regulate the rate at which air escapes. By modifying the resistance, the assembly can be tuned to different impact scenarios, ensuring optimal protection for varying payloads and conditions. The design ensures efficient energy dissipation while maintaining structural integrity, making it suitable for packaging fragile or sensitive items during transport or handling. The adjustable resistance feature enhances versatility, allowing the same assembly to be adapted for different applications without requiring multiple configurations.
13. The shock-absorbing package assembly of claim 10 , comprising an air vent that is adjustable to change the resistance to expulsion of air from the volume of air.
The shock-absorbing package assembly is designed to protect fragile items during transport by absorbing impacts through controlled air expulsion. The assembly includes a container with a flexible wall that encloses a volume of air, which compresses upon impact to cushion the contents. The flexible wall is configured to expel air from the volume when compressed, thereby dissipating impact energy. To enhance shock absorption, the assembly includes an adjustable air vent that regulates the resistance to air expulsion. By adjusting the vent, the resistance can be increased or decreased, allowing customization of the shock-absorbing performance based on the fragility of the contents or the expected impact conditions. The vent may be a mechanical or electronic valve that can be manually or automatically adjusted to control airflow. This adjustable resistance ensures optimal protection by tailoring the air expulsion rate to specific packaging needs, reducing the risk of damage to sensitive items during handling and transport. The assembly may also include additional features such as sensors or controllers to monitor and adjust the vent automatically in response to detected impacts or environmental conditions.
14. A shock-absorbing package comprising: a box configurable to enclose an item; the box comprising a box bottom panel, a side wall, and a box detent feature; and a base defining a recess sized to accommodate a portion of the box, the base comprising a base bottom panel and a base detent feature that interfaces with the box detent feature to hold the box in a transport configuration in which a volume of air disposed between the base bottom panel and the box bottom panel; and an air vent that is adjustable to change the resistance to expulsion of air from the volume of air, wherein the box detent feature and the base detent feature accommodate relative movement between the box and the base that expels air from the volume air and decelerates the box in response to an impact force being applied to the base bottom panel generated by dropping the shock-absorbing package onto a surface.
A shock-absorbing package is designed to protect items during transport by absorbing impact forces from drops or impacts. The package includes a box that encloses an item and a base that supports the box. The box has a bottom panel, side walls, and a detent feature. The base has a bottom panel and a detent feature that interlocks with the box's detent feature to hold the box in a transport configuration. In this configuration, a volume of air is trapped between the box's bottom panel and the base's bottom panel. An adjustable air vent controls the resistance to air expulsion from this volume, allowing customization of shock absorption. When the package is dropped, the impact force causes relative movement between the box and the base, compressing the air volume and expelling air through the vent. This controlled air expulsion decelerates the box, reducing the impact force transmitted to the enclosed item. The adjustable vent enables tuning of the shock-absorbing performance based on the item's fragility or transport conditions. The interlocking detent features ensure proper alignment and secure positioning during handling. This design provides a tunable, reusable shock-absorbing solution for fragile items.
15. The shock-absorbing package assembly of claim 14 , wherein the box bottom panel is separated from the base bottom panel by at least 1.0 inches in the transport configuration.
A shock-absorbing package assembly is designed to protect fragile items during transport by absorbing impacts and vibrations. The assembly includes a base with a bottom panel and a box with a bottom panel, where the box is positioned above the base. In a transport configuration, the box bottom panel is separated from the base bottom panel by at least 1.0 inches, creating a gap that allows for shock absorption. This separation ensures that the box and its contents are cushioned from direct impacts, reducing the risk of damage during handling and shipping. The assembly may also include additional shock-absorbing materials, such as foam or air cushions, placed within the gap to further enhance protection. The design is particularly useful for transporting delicate electronics, glassware, or other fragile items that require robust protection against physical shocks and vibrations. The minimum 1.0-inch separation ensures consistent performance by preventing the box from directly contacting the base, thereby maintaining the integrity of the shock-absorbing system.
16. The shock-absorbing package assembly of claim 14 , comprising one or more features for adjusting a resistance to expulsion of air from the volume of air.
The invention relates to a shock-absorbing package assembly designed to protect fragile items during transport or handling by absorbing impacts. The assembly includes a container with a volume of air that acts as a cushioning medium. A key feature is the ability to adjust the resistance to air expulsion from this volume, allowing customization of shock absorption properties based on the fragility of the packaged item. This adjustment can be achieved through structural modifications, such as variable vent sizes, adjustable valves, or deformable materials that alter airflow resistance. The assembly may also incorporate additional features like impact sensors or automated adjustment mechanisms to dynamically respond to external forces. By controlling air expulsion resistance, the package can optimize protection for different types of items, ensuring they remain intact under varying shock conditions. The invention addresses the need for adaptable cushioning solutions in packaging, where static designs may not provide sufficient protection for diverse or highly sensitive goods.
17. The shock-absorbing package assembly of claim 14 , comprising an air vent that is adjustable to change the resistance to expulsion of air from the volume of air.
The shock-absorbing package assembly is designed to protect fragile items during transport by absorbing and dissipating impact forces. The assembly includes a container with an internal volume containing a compressible material and a volume of air. The air acts as a cushioning medium, compressing and expanding to absorb shocks. The assembly also includes an adjustable air vent that regulates the resistance to air expulsion from the internal volume. By adjusting the vent, the resistance to air flow can be modified, allowing control over the cushioning effect. A higher resistance slows air expulsion, maintaining cushioning for longer, while a lower resistance allows faster air release, reducing rebound forces. The vent may be mechanically adjustable, such as through a valve or orifice, or electronically controlled for dynamic adjustments. This design enables customization of shock absorption based on the fragility of the contents and the expected impact conditions, improving protection for transported goods. The assembly may also include sensors to monitor pressure or acceleration, feeding data to an adjustment mechanism for real-time optimization. The overall system provides a tunable, adaptive cushioning solution for various packaging needs.
18. The shock-absorbing package assembly of claim 14 , wherein the sidewall of the box has a cylindrical shape.
A shock-absorbing package assembly is designed to protect fragile items during transport by absorbing impacts and vibrations. The assembly includes a box with sidewalls and a base, where the sidewalls are structured to provide cushioning. The sidewall of the box has a cylindrical shape, which enhances its ability to distribute and absorb shock forces evenly. This design helps prevent damage to the contents by reducing the transmission of impact forces to the enclosed items. The cylindrical shape may also improve the structural integrity of the box, making it more resistant to deformation under stress. The assembly may further include additional shock-absorbing materials, such as foam or air pockets, integrated into the sidewalls or base to further enhance protection. The overall design ensures that the package maintains its protective properties even when subjected to rough handling or sudden impacts during shipping.
19. A shock-absorbing package comprising: a box configurable to enclose an item and having a box bottom panel; a base having a base bottom panel and defining a recess sized to accommodate a portion of the box including the box bottom panel, the base interfacing with the box in a transport configuration so that the box bottom panel is held separated from the base bottom panel by at least 1.0 inch and a volume of air disposed between the base bottom panel and the box bottom panel; and detent features that secure the position of the box relative to the base in the transport configuration and accommodate the relative movement between the box and the base, and wherein the base is interfaced with the box in the transport configuration so that an impact force applied to the base bottom panel generated by dropping the shock-absorbing package onto a surface induces relative movement between the box and the base that expels air from the volume air and decelerates the box.
This invention relates to shock-absorbing packaging designed to protect items during transport by absorbing impact forces. The system includes a box that encloses an item and a separate base with a recessed area. The box is placed into the base such that its bottom panel is held at least 1.0 inch above the base's bottom panel, creating an air gap between them. The base and box interface in a transport configuration where detent features secure their relative position while allowing controlled movement. When the package is dropped, the impact force on the base bottom panel causes the box to move relative to the base, compressing the air in the gap and expelling it. This controlled movement and air expulsion decelerate the box, reducing the force transmitted to the enclosed item. The detent features ensure proper alignment while permitting the necessary motion for shock absorption. This design improves protection for fragile items during shipping by converting impact energy into controlled air displacement and relative motion between the box and base.
20. The shock-absorbing package of claim 19 , wherein the detent features comprise frangible tabs that break to accommodate the relative movement between the box and the base.
This invention relates to shock-absorbing packaging designed to protect fragile items during transport. The problem addressed is the need for a package that absorbs impacts and vibrations while securely holding items in place, preventing damage from sudden movements or drops. The package includes a base and a box that can move relative to each other to dissipate shock forces. The box is connected to the base using detent features that allow controlled movement when subjected to external forces. These detent features are designed to break or deform under stress, absorbing energy and reducing the impact transmitted to the enclosed item. The frangible tabs serve as the detent features, breaking when the box moves relative to the base, thereby preventing excessive force from reaching the packaged item. The tabs are strategically placed to ensure controlled movement while maintaining structural integrity during normal handling. This design improves shock absorption by allowing the box to shift within the base, distributing impact forces and protecting the contents from damage. The frangible tabs are engineered to break at a specific force threshold, ensuring reliable performance under various transport conditions. The overall system provides a cost-effective and efficient solution for protecting fragile items during shipping.
Unknown
November 5, 2019
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